How to Deal With Turning 30

Many people spend 29 years worrying about that "ultimate" 30th birthday. But turning 30 doesn't have to be the end of the world. Do you really believe in that whole "Ally McBeal" shtick about having a better chance of being struck by lightning than finding love? There are quite a few steps one can take to deal with this big moment, and some may be better for one person than others. But they mostly revolve around the old adage, "You're only as old as you feel."

Instructions

1. Take a good look at yourself in the mirror. Just because you're actually turning 30 doesn't mean you look like it. At the same time, ask yourself if you really feel this age. If you don't look or feel the part, there's no real reason to worry.

2. Avoid looking in the mirror too much, though. This is when you may start obsessing over how you look and that will have you obsessing about your age even more. Get those mirrors out of the house if that starts happening.

3. Put everything in perspective. If you're going to obsess over turning 30, how bad is it going to be when you hit 40 or 50? It will be best to stop this age fixation now while it's still early.

4. Stock up on nostalgia. With so many old TV shows out on DVD, this is easier than ever. Indulging in the entertainment you grew up with once in a while can help you feel younger. It may backfire if you realize just how long ago they were popular, but it's worth a shot.

5. Change your look is small, subtle ways. There may be newer designer clothes that you may be comfortable in and can not only make you look younger and cooler, but accentuate your better features. Then head off to places where younger people hang out and see if you blend in. Doing this once in a while can work wonders if you can pull it off.

6. Disregard and ignore the aging process altogether. Maybe you can just ignore your birthdays from this point forward. Didn't we tire of having some big party by the age of 13 anyway? Just keep in mind that you're still younger than your parents and a lot of other people, and you won't let some calendar tell you how old you feel.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid radical changes like plastic surgery, hair transplants and expensive, fancy cars. These will just make you look silly while exposing your age even more by showing that you're trying to hide it. It's counterproductive, while wasting a ton of money.